By Jayson Henderson

The Kansas City Royals have announced their 2024 team awards, with Bobby Witt Jr., Seth Lugo, and Cole Ragans earning top honors as voted on by the Kansas City chapter of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America.

Les Milgram Player of the Year: Bobby Witt Jr. Witt was unanimously named Player of the Year for the third consecutive season, tying him for second-most in franchise history. Witt led the majors in hits (211) and batting average (.332) while becoming the first shortstop in MLB history with multiple 30-30 seasons. He also earned his first All-Star, Gold Glove, and Silver Slugger honors, capped by All-MLB First Team recognition and a runner-up finish in AL MVP voting.

Bruce Rice Pitcher of the Year: Seth Lugo In his first season with the Royals, Lugo delivered 16 wins and a 3.00 ERA across 33 starts. His 206 2/3 innings were second-most in the majors, and he became the first Royals starter since Zack Greinke in 2009 to post an ERA that low. Lugo’s season also included an All-Star selection, a Gold Glove, and a second-place finish in AL Cy Young voting.

Joe Burke Special Achievement Award: Cole Ragans Ragans earned recognition for his contributions as the Royals’ Opening Day starter and Game 1 starter in their return to the postseason. He posted an 11-9 record with a 3.14 ERA and 223 strikeouts, the third-most in a single season in Royals history. Ragans became the first left-hander in franchise history to record over 200 strikeouts in a season.

The Royals celebrated these individual accomplishments as they look ahead to building on their successful 2024 season, which included their first playoff appearance since 2015.